Story: Graig Newman Battles Back The 2014 CFL season was supposed to Graig Newman’s big year. The third-year Canadian had come off two solid seasons in Saskatchewan, playing a significant role on special teams for the Riders, including winning a Grey Cup in 2013. When he signed in Winnipeg on February 12, he was anticipating being able to battle for a regular position on the Bombers’ defence in 2014. “Everything was going according to plan,” the likeable 25-year old told bluebombers today. “I wanted to come in and show I could start on a defence in the CFL.” Then, during the bane of many players’ season – the preseason – Newman’s 2014 plans suddenly came to a halt when his leg bent awkwardly, resulting in a dislocated and fractured ankle, during the club’s final preseason tune-up June 14 in Calgary. “This hurts” were two of the first words of his mouth as Bomber medical staff attended to him, and all of his teammates surrounded him. “As soon as it happened, I knew it wasn’t good, but the shock factor just kicks in and even though you’re in pain, it’s almost like you don’t notice it.” Fast forward five months, and after surgery and extensive rehab, Newman is already looking ahead to June 2015. “I miss football, bottom line. This season was like no other for me. Knowing I couldn’t play football, regardless of what I did, was challenging. Watching my teammates battle every day, you want so badly to be out there helping in any way you can. 18 weeks is a long time to be sidelined. When I finally started running again, it was such a weight off my shoulders, and truthfully, I feel great right now.” “I said it when we signed him, and I’ll say it again now, Graig Newman is a good football player,” said Bombers General Manager Kyle Walters. “This year was tough on him, and his injury was tough for our team because of the type of guy he is. His attitude both in the locker room and on the field is something you look for in a free agent signing, and then obviously being a Canadian player, his loss in that area was tough for us as well,” said Walters. Newman is trying to take some positive out of this experience, his first major injury of his football career. “You gain a new appreciation for how fortunate we are as athletes when it is so quickly taken away from you.” Bombers brass have been impressed with Newman’s work ethic through his rehab, although theyre certainly not surprised. “He’s a fighter, there’s no question,” said Walters. “Looking ahead to next season, once again, he is a versatile player, who plays special teams at a high level and can line up as a free safety or closer to the line of scrimmage. His versatility will allow the defensive coaches to utilize him in a wide range of packages next year,” said Walters. Newman will enter the 2015 season fully healthy, looking to rebound, and with the opportunity to play many different positions on the Bomber defence. Graig Newman is what Canadian football is about. He’s a tough, hard-nosed player, who will do what it takes to win,” said Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea. “We watched him rehab this season and I know how much it hurt him not to be out there, so we really are excited to have him back in 2015.”
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 13:49:21 +0000
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